Terminal and mounting means



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TERMINAL AND MOUNTING MEANS Original Filed Sept. 12. 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTORS Pose-er C. waorrae Do/mzo 6. 5462 Tue/e Arms/1n United States Patent 3,188,600 TERMINAL AND MOUNTING MEANS Robert C. Woofter, Cortland, and Donald G. Baer, Girard, Ohio, assignors to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Original application Sept. 12, 1960, Ser. No. 55,483, now Patent No. 3,146,051, dated Aug. 25, 1964. Divided and this application May 22, 1962, Ser. No. 196,818

7 Claims. (Cl. 3347) This disclosure is a division of co-pend-ing application Serial No. 55,483-Woofter et al., filed September 12, 1960, now US. Patent 3,146,051Woofter et al., issued August 25, 1964, belonging to the assignee of the present invention.

This invention relates to electrical connections, and particularly, to terminal means and mountings thereof.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved terminal and mounting means economical to produce and use for standardization of predetermined electrical connections into compact assemblies locked into mating relationship. 7

Another object of this invention is to provide universal electrical connectors of reduced size for straight line interlock that need include only identical terminals having bodies of metal including a conductor attaching portion on one side of a box-like intermediate portion and extended blade-like longitudinally embossed floor portion integral with an angularly deflectable spring tongue portion adapted to mate in looking engagement at least in part within confines of adjacent abutting box-like intermediate portions free of any need for additional body means previously needed to hold terminals together while the box-like intermediate portions cooperate to avoid lateral displacement of mating extending floor portions.

Another object of this invention is to provide universal electrical connectors of reduced size for linear interlock that need include only terminals in pairs each having identical features in common with each other at least one of which can be retained in a mounting of insulating material cut down in size surrounding the terminal because terminal centers are drawn closer together yet permitting mating terminals to fit and lock in telescoping relation limited by abutting intermediate portions of the terminals which go together more easily under minimized insertion pressure though mating terminals are free of requiring mating insulating bodies to maintain electrical contact to which there is ready access.

A further object of this invention is to provide universal terminal means per 'se having all featured portions thereof identical and common with each other to include a metal body adapted to mate easily with a corresponding identical body neither of which is subject to damage and destruction in service due to repeated insertion and disengagement though each includes a conductor attaching portion on one side of a box-like intermediate portion open at opposite ends and slotted at one side though having at-least one tang means projecting with a free end in each of opposite directions integrally formed laterally outwardly andan extended blade-like floor portion integral with the intermediate portion at an end opposite the conductor atin confines of the box-like intermediate portion, each boxlike intermediate portion having a-length substantially equal to the lengths of the extended floor portion such that with identic'al terminals in mating telescopic relation,

the box-like intermediate portions abut against each other longitudinally while the spring tongues are resiliently locked and pressed into contiguous electrical contact with each other and the extended floor. portion of each body closes oil? the slotted side of the intermediate box-likeportion of the other.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pair of hollow insulating housings and a mating pair of terminal means at least one pair of which can be combined to be identical with each other, for example, the housings when identical each having a longitudinally integral hook-like end on one side adapted slidably to engage an inclined abutment integrally located on an opposite side and, for example, the terminal means when identical each having a conductor engaging end portion on one side of a box-like intermediate portion opposite ends of which are open and interconnected by a longitudinally-extending side slot defined by edges that can straddle a laterally inwardly extending axial rib of an insulating housing for spacing and rigidity in positioning therebetween, opposite side edges of the box-like intermediate portion each having tang means with a free end rejecting laterally outwardly to engage a shoulder of the insulating housing in a location adjacent to the conductor attaching end portion, there being additional tang means with a free end struck from the intermediate portion and extending remote from the conductor attaching end portion and engageable with furthe shoulder means of the insulated housing.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein preferred embodiments of the present invention are clearly shown.

In the drawings: I 1 FIGURE 1 is an end view of the terminal means in ac cordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1A is a cross-sectional elevational view take along line A--A in FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 1B and 1C are end and side views taken in, the direction of arrows B and C, respectiv'ely,'inFIG- URE 1A.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of one portion of insulating housing means adapted for terminal means in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is an end view in the direction of arrow S in FIGURE 2. a I FIGURE 4 is a plan view of another portion ofinsulating housing means for use with theportion of FIGURES 2 and 3..

FIGURE 5 is an end viewinthe'directionof arrow 5, 'inFIGURE4p I FIGURES 6 is a partially sectioned exploded view of terminal meansfitted into housing portions of FIGURES- V FIGURE 8 is drawn to a modification of terminal housing-means and provides a perspective view of a universal interlocking body means of insulating material 'for' use{ with terminal means in accordance with the present inven-.

tion.

FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken 7 along line 9 9 in FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 1Q is a partially sectioned view taken along line 1il1tl in FIGURE 9. H 7 FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary view taken in the direction of arrow 11 in FIGURE 10. Y y

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional eleyati'onal view of pairs of identical terminalmeans} and identical body means thereof in-assembled interlocking positions.

FlGURE 13 is an end view taken in the direction of description.

view to represent interlocking portions of housing means such as shown in FIGURES 15, 16 and 17.

Universal terminal means per so having portions identical and common with each other can be seen in various views of the drawings. Such universal terminal means generally indicated by numeral 20 can include a metal body 21 having a conductor attaching portion 22 on one side of a box-like intermediate portion 23 and remote from a longitudinally extended blade-like floor portion 24 integral with the intermediate portion 23 at an end opposite to the conductor attaching portion 22. A spring tongue portion 25 is integral with the extended floor portion 24, at an end 25:: thereof remote from the intermediate portion 23. The spring tongue portion 25 projects rearwardly substantially at an acute angle relative to the extended floor portion 24 and terminates in a downwardly off-set abutment 25a within confines of the box-like intermediate portion 23. It is to be noted that each box-like intermediate portion 23 has a length substantially equal to length of the extended floor portion 24 such that with identical terminals in mating telescopic relation the boxlike intermediate portions 23 abut against each other longitudinally while the spring tongues areresiliently locked and pressed into contact with each other as will be seen in further views of the drawings.

The conductor engaging portion 22 can include dual pairs of deformable lateral wings or extension including a first pair of wings 22w adapted to be bent, deformed and crimped into electrical engagement with a bare metal wire or conductor in a well-known manner. A further pair of lateral extensions such as 22: are also adapted to be bent toward each other so as to be curled around an insulating covering of a conductor or wire. To increase rigidity and stability between portions 22, 23, and 24 of the metal body 21,there can be provided rib means 26 and 2'7 extending longitudinally or axially as upwardly projecting embossings visible in FIGURES 1, 1A and 1C. In a location between these rib means or embossings 26-27, there is a first tang means 28 integral at an end 281 with the metal body 21 adjacent to the conductor engaging portion 22 and having a free end 28c extending downwardly from the intermediate portion 23. Provision of the rib means or'embossing 26 is optional whereas rib means 27 extending between the intermediate portion 23 and blade-like extension portion 24 can greatly enhance longitudinal strength of the terminal means in accordance with the present invention. The intermediate portion 23 further includes a pair of laterally outwardly extending tang 29 which terminate in free ends 292 substantially adjacent to the conductor engaging portion 22 and remote from the end c of the spring tongue portion 25. The tangs 29 have an integral end 29i joined to sidewalls 23mg of the tained interlocking electrical connection is established or the terminal means can be used together with a mounting or insulating housing. Such insulating housing means can include a pair of body portions each having a hollow interior into which terminal means such as 20 and the like can be fitted. FIGURE 2 is a plan view of one portion 30 of insulating housing means adapted for terminal means in accordance with the present invention. This portion 30 includes a hollow body 31 and integral laterally outwardly extending socket mean 32 defining a substantially rectilinear recess 33 on one side of a radially outwardly extending wall 32w. On an opposite side of the radially or laterally outwardly extending wall 32w there is another substantially rectilinear recess 34 formed by an inner periphery of the socket means 32. The socket means 32 includes a pair of substantially opposite lateral extended ends 32c joined by an intermediate portion 32i which terminates at a longitudinally off-set and tapered, transverse edge 321 further visible in FIGURES 6 and 7 of the intermediate portion '23. These sidewalls 23w terminate; I

in laterally inwardly bent edges 23e spaced substantially parallel from each other for apredeterrnined distance defining a slot 23s which is above at least a part of the spring tongue portion 25. The intermediate portion along the walls 23w can be provided with a coined or beveled edge 230 'to facilitate linear interfitting of terminals with each other and serving particularly as a guide for the end 25c and spring tongue portion 25 of mating terminals as will be apparent further from the drawings and following The terminal means 20in accordance with the present invention can be used alone in pairs such that a self-condrawings. An abutment or locking edges 35 is provided in a location longitudinally spaced on one side of the tapered edge or end 321. The hollow body 31 includes an axial passage 31p visible in FIGURES 3, 6 and 7. A pair of substantially parallel and opposite shoulders 31s are provided integrally with the body 31 of insulating material and are adapted to be engaged on one side by tangs 29 having free ends 292 as described above. These ends 2% of tangs 29 engage shoulders 31s so as to lock the terminal means 29 into body 31 and prevent removal thereof in one direction. Removal in an opposite direction is prevented by engagement of a free end 28c of the tang 28 against an abutment 31 a formed by a longitudinal- 1y extending cutout 31c visible in FIGURES 6 and 7. On a side opposite to that where the abutment 31a is located, there is a longitudinally-extending rail portion 31;- which is adapted to be located between edges 232 of the sidewalls 23w of the intermediate portion 2-3 having a box-like configuration including the longitudinal slot 23s. The rail portion 311' fills or substantially fills the space of the slot 23s between the edges 23:: so as to assure maintenance of predetermined spacing of the ends '23e from each other.

Another insulating housing or portion 40 is shown in FIGURES 4 and 5 including a central body 41 with a substantially rectilinear extension 412 of sidewalls adapted to mate in the recess 34 as shown in the drawings. The body 41 includes an integral laterally outwardly extending flange means 42 having a cup-like shape and terminating in an annular edge 42c adapted to engage a suitable mounting panel surface. A recess 421' is formed between the body 41 and flange means 42. As can be seen in FIGURES 5, 6 and 7, the body 41 has an axial passage 41;) extending longitudinally therein and having a pair of opposite shoulders 41s similar to shoulders 31s of body 31 provided therein. An abutment 41a and rail portion 41r are also provided integrally with the body 41 for purposes similar to those of abutment 31a and rail portions 311'.

FIGURES 6 and 7 are crosssectional elevational views taken along section lines A-A indicated in views of FIGURES 1, 3 and 5. Thus, FIGURES 6 and 7 show the'insulating housing portions as well as the terminal means in cross section in exploded and assembled positions. Terminal means such as 20 are shown connected to a conductor or wire W having an insulating covering C visible in FIGURES 6 and 7. When a water and weatherproof connection is desired, a boot means 44 visible in FIGURES 6 and Two -be fitted to engage the insulating covering C at one end and having aflange portion 44 snugly fitted into the recess 33 of the housing portion 30. This boot means 44; closes off the passage 31p in which terminal means 20 is fitted relative to the housing portion 30. The flange 42 has the edge 42e thereof in engagement with the mounting panel 45 with an aperture therein through which the housing portion 49 is fitted. The edge 422 sealingly engages one side or surface of the panel 45. The extension portion 41c fits into the recess 34 and a clip or metal clamp means generally indicated by numeral 50 can be provided on each of opposite sides to lock the housing portions 31 and 4% into engagement With each other. Each of these metal clips or clamps St has a flexible free end 55 adapted to be positioned longitudinally to one side of the abutting edge 35 of the housing portion 349. These resilient ends 55 also serve to maintain positioning of the flange end 44 of the boot means 44 in the recess 33. Unless the resilient ends 55 are spread apart by use of a suitable tool means such as a screwdriver or fingers engageable relative to edges 55e, the housing portions 343 and 4t) remain in locked and assembled relationship as illustrated in FIGURE 7. The body portion d further includes a pair of L-shaped portions or channels 43 integral at one end with the flange portion or means 42 and terminating in a slanted guided means or guard 43g visible in FIG- URES 4, 6 and 7 together with a recess 43; into which doubled back body portion 58 of the clip or clamp means 50 is wedged. It is to be understood that opposite lateral edges of this double back portion 53 of the clip or clamp means 5%) have a width su'iiicient to fit into the recesses 481'. A prong end 59 of each clip or clamp means 56 projects laterally and can engage a side or surface of the mounting panel 45 opposite to the side or surface engaged by edge 42:: which together assure positioning of the housing portions in locked relation to the panel 4-5. It is apparent that the double back portion 58 of the clip or clamp means 59 cannot be forced to slide out of the recesses 48r for a distance suhicient to permit disassembly of the components or parts since the tapered edge 32! is located adjacent to the guide means or guard means 43g in the assembled relationship of parts illustrated in FIGURE 7. A transverse portion Silt engages the tapered edge 322i in the event an attempt is made to pull apart the insulating housing portions 3% and 49 by pulling axially to the right on the body 41 as seen in FIGURE 7. Thus, removal from. the panel 45 is obviated once the parts are assembled and only displacement of the free ends 552 can efiect a disassembly of the insulating housing portions.

It is apparent in FIGURES 6 and 7 how the terminal means 29 mate with each other. Particularly in FIGURE 7, it can be seen that spring tongue portions 25 are slidably engageable and in contact with each other substantially over their entire length and abutments 25a engage the box-like intermediate portion 23 While ends 25c are located at substantially opposite open ends of the box-like portions inlocations remote from each other. Each of the box-like portions 23 has opposite open ends as Well as the slot23s and the blade-like extension 24 of one terminal means closes ottthe slot 233 of a mating, identical terminal .means. This mating and abutting relationship is apparent in sectionalshowing of one pair of mating terminals in FIGURE 7 and also for another pair of similar mating terminal means per so can be further seen in the perspective view of FIGURE 14.

7 In the structure described thus far, two identical terminal means have been mated. It is emphasized that these terminal means per se of both FIGURES 1-7 as well as 14 require no insulating body to maintain elec-' trical contact though in FIGURE 6tangs 2849. are shown anchoring each terminal means to a housing portion.

However, in accordance with the present invention it is also possible to provide a pair of identical housing means of insulating material. 'Such housing means generally indicated by numeral 66 can be seen in FIGURES 8' through 12 of the drawings. Each identical housing means seen in FIGURES 8 and 10. Shoulders ils are visible i n FIGURES 9 and 10. These shoulders 61s are adapted to be engaged by lateral tangs such as 29 described as engageable with similar shoulders 31s and 41s. The body 61 is adapted for use with terminal means similar to those described earlier but dilfering in that the tang 28 is replaced by a pair of tangs 28R on each of the Walls such as 23w in corners adjacent to each edge 23c as shown in FIGURE 12 and further visible in FIGURE 14-. Remaining parts of the terminal means such as 20 are substantially identical in views described earlier and therefore in FIGURES 12 and 14 the same reference numerals distinguished by priming are applied to similar terminal components. The view of FIGURE '14 illustrates how the primed counterparts of box-like intermediate portions 23 having longitudinal slots 23s are fitted with the blade-like extension portion 24 which serves to close oil the slot When the terminals having identical features mate with each other. FIGURE 14 represents that terminal means 24) or 26* in accordance with the present invention can mate with each other and remain self-contained and in interlocked relationship without presence of any housing means of insulating material though one such terminal means is shown in full and the other in phantom to facilitate visualization of relationship of mating parts telescopically relative to each other. However, the housing means 64 can be identical in all respects and can also interlock relative to each other to supplement the interlock of the terminal means per so by provision of features further in accordance with the present invention. It is apparent in FIGURE 12 that the tangs 28R can abut against an end abutment 62a of each housing d9. In FIGURE 12, only fragmen tary showing of mating terminal means such. as 24 or it? is provided such that structure of the housing means 65) can be more easily seen. Each housing means 60 having a body 61 of insulating material includes an ex, tension 64 which defines a recess or cutout 66 engage able by a lateral projection 68 of a corresponding body 61. The extension 64 as seen in FIGURES 8 and 10 can have a substantially U-shape and can be laterally olfset by flanges 64s integral with a sidewall of the body 61. A laterally outwardly curved end portion 640 can be located transversely with respect to longitudinal portions 64L of the extension 64 so at to define the recess 66. Each abutment 68 is integral with a wall of the body 61 in a location opposite to the location of the integral flanges 64,". Each abutment 68 includes a ramp portion 681' adapted to cooperate with the 'curved transverse portion 64 This abutment 68 and a ramp 68r can be seen in views of FIGURES 9,11 and 12. FIGURE 13 is an end view showing only mating of identical'housing means 60 and terminal means 29 adapted to fit therein are purposely omitted from the view of FIGURE 13 to facilitate understanding of the mating and interlocking portions including the abutments such as 68 and extensions 64. The rail portion or rib such as 61r is adapted to be straddled by edges such as 232 of the box-like intermediatev portion which is open at opposite ends.

FIGURES 15; 16 and 17 provide exploded perspective views of further housing means thatcan be used with terminal means of the present invention. I However, in each of these examples, only the terminal means will be identical with'each other. Thehousing means of FIG- URE 15 and also FIGURE 16 are similar to the housing means of FIGURES 8 through v13 though slightly different in shape and structure. A male housing portion generally indicated by numeral 70 in FIGURE 15includes. a body of insulating material 71 having plural passage 71p therein and including a laterally outwardly extending abutment 72 with an incline or ramp portion'72r adapted to engage a groove 72g on an extension'74 of an insulating body 75 of a female housing portion generally indicated by numeral 76. There is provided a cut-out or re cess 74r into which the abutment 72 canfit and is adapted to be retainedin locked relationship; "Separation of the male and femalehousing portions can be elfected byte-m 2. porarily providing lateral pressure against walls 74w on opposite sides of the extension 74 so as to deform the extension 74 with respect to the grooves 73g and recess 74r.

In FIGURE 16, a female housing portion 80 includes a body 81 of insulating material having a passage hip therein and including a laterally outwardly extending abutment 82 integral with an incline or ramp portion 821' adapted to engage an extension 84 including a transverse portion 841? and recess 86 on one side of a channel or slot 87 formed by legs or longitudinal portions 84L extending integrally between the extension 84 and a body 88 of a mating housing portion. FIGURE 17 illustrates a cylindrical socket or male housing portion generally indicated by numeral 90 including a body 91 into which terminalmeans can fit and having a longitudinal extending arm 91a integral therewith provided with an abutment 92 and incline or ramp portion 922' adapted to fit relative to a cutout or recess 94r of a female housing portion 94. By laterally inwardly deflecting the arm 91a, it is possible to effect disengagement of the abutment 92 with respect to a bridge 94b integral with the body of the housing portion 94 so as to release the abutment from locking engagement with respect to the edge of the bridge on one side of the recess or cutout 941'. The arm is sutficiently flexible to return to a position substantially parallel to the body 91 and .in such parallel position, the arm 91a will maintain locking relationship between the insulating housing portions. FIGURE 18 is representative of interlocking of an abutment and a cutout or a recess provided by the mating housing portions of FIG- URES 15, 16 and 17. For purposes of illustration, reference numerals corresponding to those of FIGURE 16 are applied in FIGURE 18.

It is apparent that terminal means such as 28' in accordance with the present invention can be interlocked relative to each other either with and without housing means. In some installations at least one housing means can be .provided for predetermined stacking and spacing of adjacent identical terminal means that can be mated with identical terminal means which are self-retaining to each other without secondary housing portions. Identical terminal means when. used for electrical connections on motor vehicles for example, are particularly useful because all terminal means are interchangeable and fit in mating relationship to similar terminals so as to provide interchangeability and ready access to connections that can be established with a minimum of insertion force. For example, with the identical terminal means 20 in accordance with the present invention, there is required an insertion .force to mate terminals with themselves requiring a force of only one to two and one-half pounds compared with a force of five to twelve pounds for establishing mating and insertion of male and female terminal means of a type such as disclosed in Patent 2,682,938 Johnson belonging to theassignee of the present invention. With the identical terminal means including boxlike intermediate portions 23, it is possible for centers or center lines of terminals to be closer to each other so as to reduce the size of bodies of insulating materials sometimes used for mounting the terminals. Another example of an installation using terminal means in accordance with the present invention can be found in 'adisclosure of application Serial No. 55,482 filed September 12, 1960,

now U.S.Patent 3,146,05 2.B urchet a. issued August 25,

1964, and belonging to theassignee orthe present invention. It is also to be understood that the box-like inter-. mediate portions 23, permit telescoping engagement of the blade-like extensions 24 and resilient tongues 25 to be protected laterally 'in all directions. Individual mating connections of such identical terminals can be evenly estab-v lished in resilient interlocked relationship and a wrap- .ping of suitable insulating material suchasplastic tape and the likecan be provided whenever service repairs are made to electrical components on a vehicle so as to require making and breaking of electrical connections. The identical terminals 20 in accordance with the present invention go together easily and are self-retaining and the box-like intermediate portions when engaged by a bladelike extension and spring tongue of an identical terminal will assure lateral stability in that the blade-like extensions such as 24 and spring tongue 25 cannot shift laterally out of electrical contact with a corresponding spring tongue both enclosed laterally Within confines of the abutting box-like intermediate portions 23. An appreciable reduction in cost of components for electrical connections resuits in standardization of either terminal means or housing identical in every respect to each other. Separation of identical housing means such as 6:? can be efiected by inserting a tool such as a screwdriver along an underside of the curved end portion 640 and prying the inner or lower curved surface thereof out of engagement with the outer curved surface of the abutment or projection such as 58. It is to be understood that the identical terminal means such as 2t) can be used for electrical connections not only for motor vehicles but also for appliances including electric ranges and the like.

It is noted that the blade-like extension portion 24 and intermediate box-like portion 23 are substantially equal in length such that when there is a telescoping of parts, the box-like intermediate portions completely enclose the spring tongue portion 25 as well as the extension bladelike portion 24. The box-like intermediate portions are substantially square in cross section.

While the embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. Universal electrical connector means that interlock linearly to include correspondingly identical terminals in pairs each having termnial centers drawn together closely and compactly, comprising, in combination, at least one insulating housing portion having a passage longitudinally therethrough and a longitudinal rail means along one side thereof, at least a pair of shoulder means along inner sides of said housing portion, a pair of identical metal terminal bodies each including a conductor attaching portion and at least one of which is located within said insulating housing portion, a box-like intermediate portion integral at one end with said conductor attaching portion, an extended blade-like floor portion integral with said box-like intermediate portion at an end opposite to that of said conductor attaching portion, said box-like portion being open at opposite ends and slotted longitudinally along one side to complement said 1ongitudinal rail-means located within area along one side of the passage of said insulating housing portion, a spring tongue portion integral with said blade-like floor portion at an end thereof remote from said intermediate portion so as to project back angularly to said floor portion and to terminate within confines, of said box-like intermediate portion having Width greater than that of both said spring tongue and blade-like floor portions, and first as well as second tang means extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from said said box-like intermediate portion engaging said shoulder means of said housing portion, said blade-like fioor portion and substantially half of said spring tongue portion projecting from said housing portion at one end of the passage therein receiving an identical mating tongue portion in face-to-face electrical contact with a corresponding tongue portion all within confines of longitudinally adjacent and axially abutting box-like intermediate portions which entirely outwardly protectively shield telescopically engaged spring tongue and blade-like floor portions in meeting each other in- I ternally and. substantially centrally thereof.

l 2. Universal electrical connector means that interlock linearlyto include correspondingly identical terminals in pairs each having terminal centers drawn together closely and compactly, comprising, in combination, at least one insulating housing portion having a passage longitudinally therethrough anda longitudinal rail means along one side thereof, at least a pair of shoulder means along inner sides of said housing portion, a pair of identical metal terminal bodies each including a conductor attaching portion and at least one of which is located within said insulating housing portion, a box-like intermediate portion integral at one end with said conductor attaching portion, an extended blade-like floor portion integral with said box-like intermediate portion at an end opposite to that of said conductor attaching portion, said box-like portion being open at opposite ends and slotted longitudinally along one side to complement said longitudinal rail means located within area along one side of the passage of said insulating housing portion, a spring tongue portion integral with said blade-like floor portion at an end thereof remote. from said intermediate portion so as to project back angularly to said floor portion and to terminate withinconfines of said box-like intermediate portion having width greater than that of both said spring tongue and blade-like floor portions, first tang means extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from said box-like intermediate portion and having free ends located in a direction corresponding to that of said conductor attaching portion, and second tang means extending laterally outwardly and having a free end projecting in the same direction as said blade-like floor portion, said first tang means engaging at least one shoulder means to prevent movement in one direction and said second tang means abut against further shoulder means to prevent movement in an opposite direction, said blade-like floor portion and substantially half of said spring tongue portion projecting from said housing portion at one end of the passage therein receiving an identical mating tongue portion in face-to-face electrical contact with a corresponding tongue portion all within confines of longitudinaily adjacent andaxially abutting box-like intermediate portions which entirely outwardly protectively shield telescopically engaged spring tongue and blade-like floor portions in meeting each other internally and substantially centrally thereof.

3. Universal electrical connector means that interlock linearly to include correspondingly identical terminals in pairs each having terminal centers drawn together closely and compactly, comprising, in combination, at least one insulating housing portion having a passage longitudinally therethrough and a longitudinal rail means along one side thereof, at least a pair of shoulder means along inner sides of said housing portion, a pair of identical metal terminal bodies each including a conductor attaching portion and at least one of which is located within said insulating housing portion, a box-like intermediate portion integral at one end with said conductor attaching portion, an extended blade-like floor portion integral with said box-like intermediate portion at an end opposite to that of said conductor attaching portion, said box-like portion being open at opposite ends and slotted longitudinally along one side to complement said longitudinal rail means located within area along one side of the passage of said insulating housing portion, a spring tongue portionintegral with said blade-like floor portion at an end thereof remote from said intermediate portion so as to project back angularly to said floor portion and to terminate within confines of said box-like intermediate portion having width greater than that of both said spring tongue and blade-like floor portions, and first as well as second tang means extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from said box-like intermediate portion engaging said shoulder means of said housing portion, said blade-like floor portion and substantially half of said spring tongue portion projecting from said housing portion at one end of the passage therein receiving an identical mating tongue portion in f ace-to-face electrical contact with a corersponding tongue portion all within confines of longitudinally adjacent and axially abutting box-like intermediate portions which entirely outwardly protectively shield telescopically engaged spring tongue and blade-like floor portions in meeting each other internally and substantially centrally thereof, said box-like intermediate portion of each terminal body having a squared configuration and a length substantially equal to that of said blade-like floor portion of the other.

4. Universal electrical connector means that interlock linearly to include correspondinglyidentical terminals in pairs each having terminal centers drawn together closely and compactly, comprising, in combination,'at least one insulating housing portion having a passage longi tudinally therethrough and a longitudinal rail means along one side thereof, at least a pair of shoulder means along inner sides of said housing portion, a pair of identical -metaltermiual bodies each including a conductor attaching portion and at least one of which is located with in said insulating housing portion, a box-like intermediate portion integral at one end withrsaid conductor attaching portion, an extended blade-like floor portion integral with said box-like intermediate portion at an end opposite to that of said conductor attached portion, said' box-like portion being open at opposite ends and slotted longitudinally along one side to complement said longitudinal rail means located Within area along one side of the passage of said insulating housing portion, a spring tongue portion integral with said blade-like floor portion at an end thereof remote from said intermediate portion so as tov projectback angularly to said floor portion and to terminate within confines of said box-like intermediate portion having width greater than that of both said spring tongue and blade-like fioor portions, and first as well as second tang meansextending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from said box-like intermediate portion engaging said shoulder means of said housing portion, said blade-like floor portion and substantially half of said spring tongue portion projecting from said housing portion at one end of the passage therein receiving an identical mating tongue portion in face-to-face electrical contact with a corresponding tongue portion all within confines of longitudinally adja-' cent and axially abutting box-like intermediate portions which entirely outwardly protectively shield telescopically engaged spring tongue and blade-like floor portions in meeting each other internally and substantially centrally thereof, said spring tongue portion in part and said bladelike floor portion extending axially beyond said box-like intermediate portion and into said passage on one side of said housing portion.

5. Universal electrical connector means that interlock linearly to include correspondingly identical'terminals in pairs each having terminal centers drawn together closely and compactly, comprising, in combination, two

identical insulating-housing portions each including an axial passage longitudinallytherethrough defined by side' walls and a longitudinal rail means along one side thereof, at least a pair of shoulder means along inner sides of said housing portion, a pair of identical metal termi identical insulating housing portions, a box-like inter-f mediate portion integral at one end with said conductor attaching portion, an extended blade-like floor portion integral with said box-like intermediate portion at an end opposite to thatof said conductor attaching portion, said box-like portion being open at opposite ends and slotted longitudinally along one side to complement said longitudinal rail means located within area along one side of the passage of each said insulating housing portion, a spring tongue portion integral with said bladelike floor portion at an end thereof remote from said intermediate portion so as to project back angularly to saidofioor portion and to terminate within confines of said box-like intermediate portion having width greater than that of both said spring tongue and blade-like floor portions, first as well as second tang means extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from said 'boxlike intermediate portion engaging said shoulder means of each said housing portion, said blade-like floor portion and substantially half of said spring tongue portion projecting from each said housing portion at one end of the passage therein receiving an identical mating tongue portion in face-to-face electrical contact with a corresponding tongue portion all within confines of longitudinally adjacent and substantially axially abutting box-like intermediate portions which substantially outwardly protectivelyshield telescopically engaged spring tongue and blade-like floor portions inmeeting each other internally and substantially centrally thereof, a laterally outwardly projecting abutment on one of said wallsof each of said housing portions, and a U-shaped longitudinal extension integral with another wall of each of said housing portions, said U-shaped extension of one body portion and said abutment of the other body portion having a mutually interlocking complementary positioning for maintenance of mating identical housing portions while simultaneously said identical terminals are likewise in mating interlocked position in substantially axially abutting though transposed relationship.

6. Universal electrical connector means that interlock linearly to include correspondingly identical terminals in self-retaining pairs each having terminal centers drawn together closely and compactly free of need for any external housing for maintenance of interlock per se though usable with insulating tape wrapping as well as at least one insulating housing portion having a side-shouldered passage longitudinally therethrough and a longitudinal rail means alone one side thereof, comprising, in combination, a pair ofidentical metal terminal bodies each including a conductor attaching portion, a box-like intermediate portion integral at one end with said conductor attaching portion, an extended blade-like iioor portion integral with said box-like intermediate portion at an end opposite to that of said conductor attaching portion, said box-like portion being open at opposite ends and slotted.

longitudinally along one side for resilience and also to complement the longitudinal rail means when used, a

stabilizing, rib means extending longitudinally between said intermediate box-like portion and said floor portion, a spring tongue portion integral with said blade-like floor portion at an end thereof remote from said intermediate portion so as to project back angularly to said floor portion and to terminate in an ofiset abutment within confines of said box-like intermediate portion having width greater than that of both said spring tongue and blade-like floor portions, each box-like intermediate portion having a length substantially equal to length of said extended floor portion such that with identical terminal bodies in mating telescopic relation said box-like intermediate portions complement each other and abut axially though transposed against each other longitudinally, and shoulder engageable first as well as second tang means extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from said box-like intermediate portion, said telescopically mating spring tongue portions having resiliently-backed wiping connection snugly locked and pressed into contiguous face-to-face electrical contact with each other totally withinconfines of said box-like intermediate portions, said blade-like extended floor portion of a mating terminal body internally closing off the slotted side of said intermediate box-like portion of the other terminal body and collectively with said bx-like portions being in formation structurally in a protective shield externally around internal resiliently mated wiping face-to-faee contact of said tongue portions as well as maintaining guaranteed protection against lateral dislocation therebetween.

1 7. In a universal electrical connector means that interlock linearly to include correspondingly identical terminals in self-retaining pairs each having metal bodies with terminal centers drawn together closely and compactly including a conductor attaching portion integrally on one end of each thereof and mating free of need for any external housing for maintenance of interlock per se though usable with insulating tape wrapping as well as at least one insulating housing portion having a side-shouldered passage longitudinally therethrough as well as a longitudinal rail means along one side thereof, the improvement which comprises a squared box-like intermediate portion on each metal body including a longitudinal opening along one side thereof for lateral resilience between opposite axially open ends thereof and also to complement the longitudinal rail means when used, an extended blade-like floor portion integral with said box-like intermediate portion at an end opposite to that of the conductor, attaching portion, a spring tongue'portion integral with said blade-like floor portion at an end thereof remote from said box-like intermediate portion though projecting back angularly to one side of said floor portion and into termination in an otfset abutment thereof laterally within confines of said box-like intermediate portion having width greater than that of both said spring tongue and blade-like floor portions to facilitate telescopic interfit through a corresponding box-like intermediateportion axially thereof, each box-like intermediate portion having a length substantially equal to length of said extended floor portion such that with identical terminal bodies in mating telescopic relation said box-like intermediate portions complement each other and abut substantially axially though transposed against each other longitudinally, and shoulder-engageable first as well as second tang means extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions fr-orn said box-like intermediate portion, said telescopically mating spring tongue portions having resiliently backed wiping connection simultaneously having surfacing thereof interengaged and displaced outwardly within limits internally of said box-like intermediate portions and having snug locking interfit pressed into contiguous juxtaposed face-to-face electrical contact with each other substantially within confines of said boxlike intermediate portions, said blade-like extended fioor portion of a mating terminal body internally closing off the slotted side of said intermediate box-like portion of the other terminal body and collectively with said box-like portions being in formationstructurally in a protective shield externally around internal resiliently mated wiping face-to-face contact of said tongue portions as well as maintaining guaranteed protection against lateral dislocation therebetween.

References Cited by the Examiner UNlTED STATES PATENTS 367,931 8/87 Runels 339-91 X 1,237,857 8/17 Averill 339-47 2,198,704 4/40 Lazich. 2,406,895 9/46 Olson 339-47 2,499,825 3/50 Havlicek 339-60 2,682,038 6/54 Johnson. 2,891,103 6/59 Swengel 339-49 2,938,190 5/60 Krehbiel 33949 X 3,037,183 5/62 Hopkins 339-258 3,065,448 11/ 62 Hopkins et al. 339-258 FOREIGN PATENTS 3 62,993 11/22 Germany.

JOSEPH D. SEERS, Primary Examiner, 

6. UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MEANS THAT INTERLOCK LINEARLY TO INCLUDE CORRESPONDINGLY IDENTICAL TERMINALS IN SELF-RETAINING PAIRS EACH HAVING TERMINAL CENTERS DRAWN TOGETHER CLOSELY AND COMPACTLY FREE OF NEED FOR ANY EXTERNAL HOUSING FOR MAINTENANCE OF INTERLOCK PER SE THOUGH USABLE WITH INSULATING TAPE WRAPPING AS WELL AS AT LEAST ONE INSULATING HOUSING PORTION HAVING A SIDE-SHOULDERED PASSAGE LONGITUDINALLY THERETHROUGH AND A LONGITUDINAL RAIL MEANS ALONE ONE SIDE THEREOF, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A PAIR OF IDENTICAL METAL TERMINAL BODIES EACH INCLUDING A CONDUCTOR ATTACHING PORTION, A BOX-LIKE INTERMEDIATE PORTION INTEGRAL AT ONE END WITH SAID CONDUCTOR ATTACHING PORTION, AN EXTENDED BLADE-LIKE FLOOR PORTION INTEGRAL WITH SAID BOX-LIKE INTERMEDIATE PORTION AT AN END OPPOSITE TO THAT OF SAID CONDUCTOR ATTACHING PORTION, SAID BOX-LIKE PORTION BEING OPEN AT OPPOSITE ENDS AND SLOTTED LONGITUDINALLY ALONG ONE SIDE FOR RESILIENCE AND ALSO TO COMPLEMENT THE LONGITUDINAL RAIL MEANS WHEN USED, A STABILIZING RIB MEANS EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY BETWEEN SAID INTERMEDIATE BOX-LIKE PORTION AND SAID FLOOR PORTION, A SPRING TONGUE PORTION INTEGRAL WITH SAID BLADE-LIKE FLOOR PORTION AT AN END THEREOF REMOTE FROM SAID INTERMEDIATE PORITON SO AS TO PROJECT BACK ANGULARLY TO SAID FLOOR PORTION AND TO TERMINATE IN AN OFFSET ABUTMENT WITHIN CONFINES OF SAID BOX-LIKE INTERMEDIATE PORTION HAVING WIDTH GREATER THAN THAT OF BOTH SAID SPRING TONGUE AND BLADE-LIKE FLOOR PORTIONS, EACH BOX-LIKE INTERMEDIATE PORTION HAVING A LENGTH SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO LENGTH OF SAID EXTENDED FLOOR PORTION SUCH THAT WITH IDENTICAL TERMINAL BODIES IN MATING TELESCOPIC RELATION SAID BOX-LIKE INTERMEDIATE PORTIONS COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER AND ABUT AXIALLY THOUGH TRANSPOSED AGAINST EACH OTHER LONGITUDINALLY, AND SHOULDER ENGAGEABLE FIRST AS WELL AS SECOND TANG MEANS EXTENDING LATERALLY OUTWARDLY IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS FROM SAID BOX-LIKE INTERMEDIATE PORTION, SAID TELESCOPICALLY MATING SPRING TONGUE PORTIONS HAVING RESILIENTLY-BACKED WIPING CONNECTION SNUGLY LOCKED AND PRESSED INTO CONTIGUOUS FACE-TO-FACE ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER TOTALLY WITHIN CONFINES OF SAID BOX-LIKE INTERMEDIATE PORTIONS, SAID BLADE-LIKE ENTENDED FLOOR PORTION OF A MATING TERMINAL BODY INTERNALLY CLOSING OFF THE SLOTTED SIDE OF SAID INTERMEDIATE BOX-LIKE PORTION OF THE OTHER TERMINAL BODY AND COLLECTIVELY WITH SAID BOX-LIKE PORTIONS BEING IN FORMATION STRUCTURALLY IN A PROTECTIVE SHIELD EXTERNALLY AROUND INTERNAL RESILIENTLY MATED WIPING FACE-TO-FACE CONTACT OF SAID TONGUE PORTIONS AS WELL AS MAINTAINING GUARANTEED PROTECTION AGAINST LATERAL DISLOCATION THEREBETWEEN. 